Geologist I or II - Geotechnical

RETTEW; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

Health, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Professional development support

Job summary

RETTEW’s Geotechnical team in Pittsburgh, PA invites an entry-level Geologist I to gain hands-on experience in subsurface investigations, field documentation, and project support. You’ll work with engineers, technicians, and managers on transportation, utilities, energy, and development projects.

Requirements include a geology degree and a willingness to travel locally. The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and growing through field and project experiences with mentorship from senior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or related geoscience.
• Willingness to travel locally and regionally.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support geotechnical field investigations and subsurface programs.
• Observe drilling activities and document site conditions.
• Collect soil, rock, and geotechnical samples.
• Prepare field logs, boring docs, and photographs.
• Coordinate sample handling and laboratory testing.

Skills

Geology degree

Fieldwork interest

Strong communication

Travel locally

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology

Tools

GIS experience

Field data apps

Job description

Description

The Opportunity

RETTEW is seeking a Geologist I – Geotechnical to join our Geotechnical team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This early-career opportunity provides hands‑on experience with subsurface investigations, drilling observation, field documentation, and geotechnical project support.

You’ll work alongside experienced geologists, engineers, drilling professionals, inspectors, and Project Managers on projects involving transportation, utilities, energy, land development, commercial facilities, and industrial sites.

You do not need experience in every area of geotechnical consulting to be considered. We’re looking for a strong geological foundation, an interest in fieldwork, careful documentation skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to continue developing through hands‑on project experience.

What You’ll Do

As a Geologist I, you will:

• Support geotechnical field investigations and subsurface exploration programs.
• Observe drilling activities and document soil, rock, groundwater, and site conditions.
• Collect soil, rock, and other geotechnical samples in accordance with established project procedures.
• Prepare detailed field logs, boring documentation, photographs, and daily activity records.
• Assist with soil and rock classification and core logging under the guidance of experienced professionals.
• Coordinate the handling, labeling, transportation, and delivery of samples for laboratory testing.
• Assist with laboratory-testing coordination and review test results for completeness and consistency.
• Support investigations involving slopes, landslides, geohazards, foundations, earthwork, and other subsurface conditions.
• Provide construction observation or inspection support based on project needs.
• Assist with landslide remediation and other geotechnical construction activities.
• Support pipeline, utility, transportation, land development, commercial, industrial, and energy‑related projects.
• Review field and laboratory information for completeness, consistency, and potential discrepancies.
• Assist with data organization, technical calculations, figures, tables, and geotechnical reports.
• Communicate field observations, changed conditions, safety concerns, and technical questions to project team members.
• Coordinate with engineers, geologists, drilling contractors, laboratories, construction personnel, and other project participants.
• Follow applicable technical procedures, quality requirements, and safety standards.
• Maintain field equipment, project records, and assigned documentation.
• Participate in technical training and professional‑development activities.
• Take increasing ownership of assignments as your technical knowledge, field capabilities, and professional judgment develop.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or a closely related geoscience discipline.
• Academic or applied knowledge of geology, soil, rock, stratigraphy, geomorphology, hydrogeology, or related earth‑science principles.
• Interest in developing a career in geotechnical consulting.
• Ability to perform both office and field assignments.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather, terrain, and active project‑site conditions.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally to project sites, including occasional overnight travel.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet RETTEW’s requirements for operating company vehicles.
• Ability to prepare accurate and detailed field notes, logs, records, and technical documentation.
• Ability to identify and communicate questions, changed conditions, discrepancies, and potential concerns.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, safety procedures, and quality requirements.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers, geologists, contractors, field personnel, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to manage assignments, schedules, and documentation requirements.

Preferred

Relevant experience may come from internships, cooperative education, field courses, academic research, military service, construction, drilling, laboratory work, or professional employment. Candidates are not expected to have experience in every area listed below.

• Internship, cooperative education, or professional experience in geology, geotechnical engineering, construction, drilling, or a related field.
• Soil sampling, classification, or logging experience.
• Rock sampling or core‑logging experience.
• Drilling observation or subsurface‑exploration experience.
• Geotechnical laboratory‑testing experience.
• Construction observation or inspection experience.
• Slope, landslide, or geohazard investigation experience.
• Pipeline or utility construction support.
• Experience preparing field logs, technical reports, figures, tables, or related project documentation.
• Experience using GIS or field data‑collection applications.
• Geologist‑in‑Training certification or eligibility.
• OSHA 40‑Hour HAZWOPER certification.
• OSHA 10‑Hour Construction training.
• PennDOT‑related drilling or construction‑inspection experience.
• First aid, CPR, or other applicable field‑safety training.

Why RETTEW

At RETTEW, you’ll have the opportunity to build practical geological and geotechnical skills through hands‑on project experience.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Build experience in subsurface investigations and geotechnical fieldwork.
• Develop soil and rock classification, drilling observation, field logging, and sampling skills.
• Learn from experienced geologists, engineers, inspectors, and Project Managers.
• Gain exposure to transportation, utility, energy, development, commercial, and industrial projects.
• Strengthen your technical documentation and report‑preparation skills.
• Learn how subsurface conditions influence engineering, construction, and infrastructure decisions.
• Participate in landslide, slope, geohazard, foundation, earthwork, and construction‑related assignments.
• Take increasing ownership of field and technical assignments as your capabilities develop.
• Pursue technical training and applicable professional credentials.
• Build toward Geologist II and future technical or project‑leadership opportunities.
• Build ownership in the company through RETTEW’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

RETTEW also offers competitive compensation, comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, disability and life insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off and holidays, and professional‑development and credentialing support.

Work Environment

Workplace Designation: Hybrid

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

This position combines office‑based technical work, remote‑work flexibility when project responsibilities allow, and regular field assignments. Field assignments may replace scheduled office or remote‑work days based on project needs.

Fieldwork may include local and regional travel, outdoor work in varying weather and terrain, work around drilling and construction equipment, lifting and transporting field equipment, and occasional overnight stays.

Safety & Compliance Requirements

This position is designated as safety‑sensitive. The selected candidate must successfully complete all required pre‑employment screenings, which may include background checks, drug testing, and motor vehicle record review, where applicable.

This role involves field‑based work, active drilling and construction sites, and the operation of company vehicles or personal vehicles for business purposes. Ongoing compliance with RETTEW’s safety policies, client‑specific safety requirements, site‑specific procedures, and all applicable regulatory standards is required.

About RETTEW

RETTEW is a 100% employee‑owned engineering consulting firm that has been helping clients solve complex challenges since 1969. Our teams collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative, practical solutions that strengthen infrastructure and support the communities we serve. Built on a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we empower our employee‑owners to grow their careers while delivering meaningful results for our clients.

RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please contact us at [e-mail] to request assistance.

#LI-Hybrid

Requirements

Listed above.